The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) reported that its Abdala Covid-19 vaccine has an efficacy rate of 90% in seriously ill patients affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to local media.

Havana, Cuba.- The daily newspaper Granma, reported that in July the vaccine was granted authorization for emergency use, after demonstrating 92.28% efficacy in preventing symptoms of the disease.

The latest achievement by the CIGB comes as the aggressive Delta variant of the SARS-COV-2 virus continues to spread on the island.

'Efficacy should not be confused with effectiveness, since the former is determined in controlled clinical trials, that is, under ideal research conditions; while effectiveness relates to how well the vaccine works in real life, clarified CIGB Director-General, Marta Ayala.

Scientists from the CIGB and the Finlay Vaccine Institute - which developed the Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus jabs - recently presented their research, process, and development results to the World Health Organization in hopes that the body will approve the vaccines for international use. (RHC/PL)